updating iphone

Eliza_2

I've got an old type of iphone and haven't ever used itunes before - I just keep photos, a few free apps, and all the usual phone stuff. The version is 4. something so needs updating to 5. something. I downloaded itunes but don't understand half of it. It wants to download quicktime so I can watch films - I don't want films but it doesn't give me options. Not interested in music either.

All I want to do is update the version but it's synching this and that, then tells me I can't update without losing stuff - I don't want to synch it with my laptop, I want what's on the laptop to stay there and what's on the phone to stay there! I also want the newest version of the software - I think? I'm beginning to think I don't need it after all.

Can someone give me an idiots guide to getting the latest version of operating software onto my phone without all this synching stuff.

Thanks! Liz

Mista_C

You can cancel all the Sync stuff by pressing the cross at the right of the information window (the LCD looking display at the top).

Unfortunately the jump from iOS 4 to 5 is a big one and does require the iThing to be wiped but...

Open iTunes, cancel the Sync at the top (LCD thing) then right-click the iThing name in the left-hand pane. On the context menu select Backup and allow the backup to complete.

Now you can do your update by clicking update and following the on-screen (computer and iThing) instructions.

After the update leave the iThing plugged into the laptop, iTunes should already be open. Once the iThing has restarted the laptop should ask if you want to set up as a new device or restore from a previous backup, go for the backup.

The process itself is mostly automated and requires very little user interaction.

Before you do make the jump to iOS 5 please note that it has been often reported that the battery drains quicker. This can be mostly sorted by playing with settings but for some this can be another scary hurdle. There are numerous guides around t'web that will take you through the various settings to help you on your way. If you are worried about it please PM me and I can point you to a link (I won't post here because it's on my business site and the whole Ts&Cs of this site won't allow me).
IMO it's worth the update for iMessage, free messaging between iDevices.
It's also worth noting that some of the older iPhones, =<3G, are not compatible with iOS5. I believe support for those end at iOS 4.2.1